Things to do in the Bay of Islands, NZ

There are so many activities and things to do in the Bay of Islands from scenic drives along spectacular coastlines and through beautiful native forests to high adrenaline activities. Here are a few of our recommendations:

Fishing Charters in the Bay of IslandsGo fishing from the Kerikeri Inlet or book a fishing charter and try Big Gamefishing in the Bay of Islands.
Photo: Days Out Charter Fishing Charters - Paihia

Hole in the Rock Boat TripHalf day trips around the Bay of Islands. Fullers GreatSights and Explore are the largest operators. Cruise to the famous 'Hole in the Rock'

Rainbow Falls River Track - KerikeriWalk from the Stone Store to the stunning Rainbow Falls or visit the top of the falls from the Rainbow Falls carpark.
Track information on D.O.C website

Kauri ForestsPuketi Forest has an easy board walk through native bush to a magnificent stand of Kauri trees. Or visit the mighty Tāne Mahuta Kauri tree in the Waipoua Forest on the West Coast.

The Twin Coast Cycle TrailThe full trail is 87 km and is divided into four sections with Opua to Kaikohe being a Grade 1 (Easy)Cycle trail information Photo: Must Do NZ

Kayaking Bay of IslandsKayak the Kerikeri River or take a guided kayaking tour from Paihia to the Haruru Falls.
Photo: BOI Kayaking

Northland VineyardsNorthland and the Bay of Islands is a well established wine growing region. Cellar doors and wine tours are available.
Photo: Omata Estate, Russell

Things to do in Kerikeri, Bay of Islands

Historic KerikeriVisit the Stone Store – the oldest stone building in New Zealand completed in 1836 and the 1822 Kemp House Mission Station the oldest surviving building. Discover Rewa’s Village opposite the Stone Store, a replica of a pre-European Māori fishing village.

Kerikeri town is only 2 miles away from The Carriage House and has a wide selection of restaurants and cafes. On the historic Kerikeri Waterfront Basin we recommend The Pear Tree Restaurant and just uphill from the Stone Store – Wharepuke Food.

There are New World and Countdown supermarkets in Kerikeri.

Visit The Old Packhouse Market on Saturday and the Sunday Farmer’s Market for a large selection of locally grown produce and gourmet food.

Things to do at The Carriage House

The Carriage House is set on a horse breeding farm with grazing horses seen from your balcony, young foals and gentle old shire horses pulling carts and wagons.

Highlights include:

A vintage horse drawn vehicle collection dating from 1880-1920

A stud farm breeding Clydesdales, Shire horses and Piebald gypsy horses. The grey shire horses from the LION Brewery are the largest horses in New Zealand and are in daily work. They are very impressive and very rare as an endangered species.

The private jetty and pontoon on the property is a pleasant short walk to the waterfront on the Kerikeri Inlet, where you see the reflections of moored yachts. Bring your Kayak to explore the Bays.